On the Polar Field Distribution as Observed by SOLIS

TL;DR

This study analyzes SOLIS VSM magnetograms to understand the distribution of magnetic flux in the solar poles, revealing preferential flux concentrations at lower latitudes and implications for solar phenomena and magnetic flux transport.

Contribution

It provides new observational insights into the latitudinal distribution of polar magnetic flux and its role in solar magnetic processes.

Findings

Magnetic flux elements are more common at lower latitudes within polar caps.

Results suggest flux transport processes like meridional circulation influence flux distribution.

Findings have implications for understanding polar coronal structures.

Abstract

We use Vector Spectromagnetograph (VSM) chromospheric full-disk magnetograms, from the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS) project, to study the distribution of magnetic field flux concentrations within the polar caps. We find that magnetic flux elements preferentially appear toward lower latitudes within the polar caps away from the poles. This has implications on numerous solar phenomena such as the formation and evolution of fine polar coronal structures (i.e., polar plumes). Our results also have implications for the processes carrying the magnetic flux from low to high latitudes (e.g., meridional circulation).